I had the pleasure of visiting Seaside Farm in Marblehead, Massachusetts. I visited as part of The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days program.
Founded in 1989, the Garden Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to preserve, share, and celebrate America’s gardens and diverse gardening traditions.
The Open Days program gives garden lovers a wonderful opportunity to visit private gardens. Many of these gardens are not normally open to the public. Each one offers a unique glimpse into the creativity and passion of its owners.
Seaside Farm was a particularly memorable visit. The property has a fascinating history. It also has a beautiful connection to the natural landscape of Marblehead.
The History of Seaside Farm
Nancy and Brian McCarthy purchased Seaside Farm in 1996. The property had previously been the summer residence of the Crowninshields.
The Crowninshields lived there during the early to mid-1900s. Their family left a lasting mark on the property.
When Nancy and Brian purchased the land, descendants of the Crowninshields shared old photographs with them. The garden had an Italianate style. It was structured and elegant. Those photographs revealed a landscape that was much more formal than the one that existed when the McCarthys arrived. The gardens had an Italianate character, with a strong sense of structure and design.
Seeing those photographs helped Nancy and Brian understand the history of their new property. More importantly, they knew they wanted to honor that history.
Restoring the Garden
Rather than simply recreating the garden exactly as it had been, they set out to bring the property back to its natural splendor while allowing it to evolve for a new generation. The result is a garden that feels both rooted in history and very much alive in the present. Walking through Seaside Farm, it is easy to appreciate the relationship between the cultivated portions of the garden and the natural landscape surrounding them. There is a sense of place that feels particularly appropriate for a coastal property in Marblehead. The garden doesn’t compete with its surroundings; instead, it seems to embrace them.
That balance between history, nature, and thoughtful garden design is what made my visit so memorable. Every garden has a story, but at Seaside Farm, the story is especially compelling because you can sense the layers of time within the landscape. The old photographs provide a window into the property’s past, while the garden today reflects the vision and stewardship of its current owners.
Why I Love Visiting Seaside Farm
One of the things I love most about visiting gardens through the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days program is the opportunity to see gardens that are deeply personal. These aren’t simply collections of beautiful plants—they are places shaped by the people who care for them, by the history of the land, and by the particular qualities of their surroundings.
Seaside Farm is a wonderful example of that idea. Its history has been honored without allowing it to become frozen in time. The McCarthys have created a landscape that respects what came before while celebrating the beauty of the property as it is today.
As I wandered through the garden, I found myself thinking about all the seasons and generations that had come before me—and about how gardens can preserve those memories in a way that few other places can. A garden changes constantly, yet somehow it also holds onto its history. At Seaside Farm, that connection between past and present is one of its greatest charms. I hope you will take the time to explore Seaside Farm when the Garden Conservancy offers it again!
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